“We're fighting for a spot, for a role in the team. Yun ang kailangan naming gawin. Eventually, we'll play with each other,” says Gilas pool member Kiefer Ravena. Jerome Ascano

BEING the youngest in the Gilas Pilipinas pool is not a hindrance for Kiever Ravena to fight for a spot in the national side that’s preparing for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July.

Initially volunteering last year just to make up the numbers as injuries mounted , the 22-year-old amateur star has gained confidence that he has a tangible chance to make it to the Final 12 with coach Tab Baldwin stressing to them that only Andray Blatche is assured of a spot.

“As coach made it clear, probably the only shoo-in is Andray,” Ravena said. “You have to take that as a motivation to fight for each other.”